Arran Outdoor Education Centre, and the team are set for a busy 2026-2027 period and as such the team have launched today, Monday 27 October, their brand-new online booking form for residential trips.
BOOK NOW!
To create an expression of interest for your preferred residential dates, check out the online booking form now.
Arran Outdoor Education Centre is now able to provide booking availability between August 2026 and June 2027.
The courses can be centred around the following themes:
• Activity/Health and Wellbeing courses
• Leadership or Teambuilding courses
• Integrated supported study and activity courses
• Geography and/or biology field study courses
The Arran Outdoor Education Centre team also run national governing body awards during these courses such as Paddle UKs Paddle Start, The National Outdoor Learning Discover Award and Cycling Scotland’s Go Mountain Bike Award.
Courses can be delivered through the week or weekends and can be split over half week’s for larger groups (over 45 participants)
With a combination of through the week and weekend slots, email: arranoutdoor@north-ayrshire.gov.uk or call 01770 600 532 if you need any further information.
The subsidised costs for North Ayrshire schools are as follows:
• 4 day, 3 night week course (with up to nine Activity sessions included) – £194 per Pupil and £98 per accompanying staff
• 3 day, 2 night weekend/half week course (with up to seven Activity sessions included) – £128 per pupil and £64 per accompanying staff
Places are on a first come, first served basis.
The team – who are part of the council’s Community Learning and Development team – have welcomed over 1,500 people to stay at North Ayrshire’s purpose-built outdoor education centre over the past year.
Guests have been able to take part in a host of action-packed adventures including:
- Delivery of Paddle UKs Paddle start award
- Snorkelling sessions within Lamlash bay No take zone (taking place in summertime only)
- Expedition campsite on the centre grounds for Duke of Edinburgh and other groups
- Hillwalking, nature walks, cycling and mountain biking
- Abseiling, orienteering and outdoor survival skills
- Boat trips, kayaking, paddle boarding, gorge walking, exploring caves
- Residential accommodation and hot meals in award-winning facilities
- Learning sessions on mental resilience, wellbeing, biodiversity and conservation
See our photo collage of recent highlights…
Martin Wood, Team Leader of Arran Outdoor Education Centre shared: “It has been fantastic to have recently welcomed North Ayrshire pupils from Glebe, Stanley, Dalry, Winton, St Peter’s, Beith, Gateside and Mayfield Primary schools alongside secondary pupils from Greenwood Academy, Garnock Campus and Largs Academy who all thoroughly enjoyed residential trips and activities with us.
“For primary 7’s the experiences we can provide them offer a great start for the courageous young people as they make the often-daunting transition from primary to secondary school.
“Secondary pupils – who are often working on their Duke of Edinburgh Awards as part of their time with us – have also benefited greatly from recent residential trips packed with outdoor learning opportunities.
“The unique outdoor learning that we can provide is a brilliant example of how we are championing the Council’s Wellbeing Priority to provide children and young people with learning opportunities beyond the traditional classroom to improve attainment and boost wellbeing.
“We’re hoping with the introduction of our new booking form that life will be easier for teachers, youth workers and community groups who are already keen to start planning their own residential trips with us over the next academic year.”
Geared towards building resilience Arran Outdoor Education Centre’s programme and unique location in Lamlash allows for young learners to experience the rich flora, fauna and biodiversity of the Isle of Arran.
Martin explains: “We are proud to offer outdoor learning experiences to NAC pupils and our Centre offers the ultimate environment to awaken young people to see first-hand the impacts of climate change, get up close to nature on land and at sea and confront them to think about meaningful actions they can take to become more resilient citizens and prevent nature loss and reduce their carbon footprint.
“Ultimately through our outdoor learning experiences without phones or tablets, we can provide an energising reset to the young people and adults who visit us.
“Supporting them every step of the way, we are working alongside our visiting pupils to build confidence and boost wellbeing via quality time spent learning outdoors where they can be courageous, set goals and making meaningful and lifelong connections on the island that we love.”
Changing perceptions about the best time of year to visit is also high on the agenda for the busy team.
Martin adds: “Sometimes when people think about residential trips, they imagine hopping add over on the boat over Remove over in the popular spring and summer months BUT autumn winter trips have benefits too, this is why we are calling on our schools or community group if you are keen to get out on a trip sooner rather than later.
“We can guarantee that you’ll all have fun and an educational experience to remember…
“The Centre has all the equipment and protective outerwear to keep you sheltered when the blustery Scottish weather strikes AND the longer nights and shorter days make for amazing outdoor learning opportunities in the evening too including nocturnal walks and hikes, stargazing and detecting animals like owls and bats!
“So why not encourage your young people to step out of their comfort zone and enjoy making lasting memories with us away from home next autumn/winter period?”
If you want to plan a residential course, why not book up now using the new online booking form?
The form will take no longer than 10mins to complete then a member of the team will be in touch directly to confirm the booking and discuss deposit options.
If you have any questions or need support with the online booking form, please email: arranoutdoor@north-ayrshire.gov.uk